1. Information Literacy Prepared for “The Role of Academic Libraries In Fostering Civil Society” Nancy Bolt, September 2002 Nancy Bolt & Associates

2. Information Literacy Determine that information is needed Find the necessary information Evaluate the quality of the various sources of information Effectively use the information for a specific purpose Manage the information in a socially acceptable way

3. Nancy Bolt & Associates Recognizes that accurate and complete information is the basis for intelligent decision making Recognizes the need for information Formulates questions based on information need Identifies potential sources of information Develops successful search strategies Expanded Definition by CS Doyle

4. Nancy Bolt & Associates Doyle Definition (cont) Accesses sources of information including computer-based and other technologies Evaluates information Organizes information for practical application Integrates new information into an existing body of knowledge Uses information in critical thinking and problem solving

5. Nancy Bolt & Associates Life Information Literacy by Rader Survive and be successful in an information/technology environment Lead productive, healthy and satisfying lives in a democratic society Have writing and computer proficiencies Find appropriate information for personal and professional problem solving Deal effectively with rapidly changing environments Participate in the democratic process Ensure a better future for the next generation

6. Nancy Bolt & Associates Information Literacy and Technology Information Literacy is related to information technology skills, but has broader implications for the individual, the educational system, and for society. Information technology skills enable an individual to use computers, software applications, databases, and other technologies to achieve a wide variety of academic, work- related, and personal goals. Information literate individuals necessarily develop some technology skills.

7. Nancy Bolt & Associates Christine Bruce says: The significance of information literacy education lies in its potential to encourage deep, rather than surface learning, and in its potential to transform dependent learners into independent, self-directed, lifelong learners. Without information literacy, people are condemned to lack of information, dependence upon others for access to knowledge and information, and even to acute levels of information anxiety. Making information and information technologies available to the world is not enough. Our education systems need to ensure that today’s learners are empowered to learn and to take their place in the learning society.

8. Nancy Bolt & Associates UNESCO’s Information For All Vision To ensure that everyone has access to the information they need to participate equitably in a global information society and to pursue objective truth as well as free exchange of ideas and knowledge To enhance the well being of every man and every woman, enabling them to contribute to and fully enjoy their culture To develop an appropriate infrastructure for the preservation and global sharing of information and knowledge by citizens of all countries

9. Nancy Bolt & Associates Values Information and knowledge are a public good Free and universal access to information is a fundamental human right Information preservation and access have an ethical dimension Quality, reliability, and diversity of information are of utmost importance Free and universal access to information is indispensable for cultural diversity and heritage Intellectual property rights must be balanced Privacy and security of personal data are crucial

10. Nancy Bolt & Associates Why It Matters Results of University work in Information Literacy Create new knowledge Create a productive workforce Facilitate economic development Create a civil society

11. Nancy Bolt & Associates Responsibility for Information Literacy From ACRL Model Statement The responsibility for helping people become information literate is best shared across a campus. Ideally, administrators support information literacy goals for their institutions. Course instructors help their students achieve information literacy in their chosen fields, and librarians and other campus professionals collaborate with course instructors in this effort.

12. Nancy Bolt & Associates Importance of Collaboration Role of Administrators Make Information Literacy a priority Provide ongoing resources Create opportunities for collaboration Role of Faculty Establish context Inspire exploration of unknown Role of Librarians Select intellectual resources Organize and maintain collections Provide access portals Teach information literacy skills

13. Nancy Bolt & Associates What Must Be in Place? Resources Internet connectivity Trained staff Collaboration with teachers Integration into curriculum Leadership

14. Nancy Bolt & Associates Recommendations Assume a leadership role Integrate information literacy into curricula Organize “Train the Trainers” workshops Encourage workshop for librarians, faculty and then students Create opportunities to train the private and public sector

15. Nancy Bolt & Associates In conclusion Ultimately, information literate people are those who have learned how to learn. They know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information, and how to use information in such a way that others can learn from them. They are people prepared for lifelong learning, because they can always find the information needed for any task or decision at hand. (ALA Presidential Committee on Information Literacy)